Camera Positioning on Harvester Transfer Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural harvesters face challenges in accurately determining the position and alignment of cameras on transfer devices, leading to restricted functionality and potential overloading losses due to incorrect camera mounting, which affects the control of actuators and deflection elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the camera itself is used as a sensor to evaluate its position relative to the deflection element, using 3D imaging technology like stereo cameras or Lidar to determine the correct distance and inclination, allowing for a functional check and adjustment of the camera's position, ensuring reliable target area detection during overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is manually mounted on the transfer device with adjusted tilt using a scale, then the camera can be positioned to capture the target area, but the positioning accuracy is limited and may lead to overloading losses
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-verification by capturing images of the deflection element and using image evaluation to automatically determine its own position and tilt relative to the transfer device, eliminating the need for manual positioning and scale adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning system using scales and manual adjustment is replaced by an automated optical measurement system using the camera itself as a sensor, with image processing algorithms determining the camera's position automatically
2Measurement precision
If the camera position is not accurately determined after mounting, then the camera may not correctly capture the target area, but adding complex positioning systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves dual functions: its primary function of capturing images of the target area during overloading, and a secondary function of capturing images of the deflection element for self-positioning verification, eliminating the need for separate positioning sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system uses itself as the sensing device to determine its own position, requiring no additional external sensors or complex positioning hardware, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving accurate measurement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures accurate camera positioning, enhancing the reliability of target area detection and overloading processes by providing real-time feedback for adjustments, thereby minimizing losses and ensuring correct alignment, even with modular transfer devices.
Implementation Method 1
using 3D imaging technology like stereo cameras or Lidar to determine the correct distance and inclination
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the position of a camera (18) arranged on a transfer device (5, 6) of a self-propelled harvesting machine (1, 2), by means of which a target area (ZB) is detected to which crop material (S) picked up by the harvesting machine (1, 2) is to be fed by means of the transfer device (5, 6), wherein a deflecting element (13) is arranged at the free end of the transfer device (5, 6), and the camera (18) is arranged at a distance from it, wherein at least one image of the free end of the transfer device (5, 6) is generated by means of the camera (18), and that the at least one image generated by the camera (18) is evaluated by a computing unit (25) of a control device (20) of the harvesting machine (1, 2) and the position of the camera (18) with respect to a distance (31) and/or an inclination (32) to the deflecting element (13) is determined on the basis of the evaluation.